Barnaby scathes notion Black Republicans are ‘ashamed’ of their race: ‘I know who I am’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Rep. Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona, responded to claims made by Democratic colleagues who argued that legislation combatting diversity, equity and inclusion training for teachers is racist.

He also touched on how he believes members insisted that black conservatives, such as himself, were “ashamed to be black.”

The legislation he was referencing was HB 1291, by Reps. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, and John Snyder, R-Stuart, which ends DEI-based training for individuals in teacher certification programs.

Barnaby told Florida’s Voice how the debate on the bill was “tense,” as “many opinions were voiced” from both sides.

“One thing I continuously heard being thrown around by the opposing side during questions and debate was this idea that Black Republicans, like myself, are ‘ashamed to be black’, or that we don’t know our history, or even that supporting this bill makes us not black enough,” Barnaby said.

“Let me set the record straight: I know who I am. I know who my ancestors are and I certainly know what they endured. To accuse me of anything less is pure bigotry. However, I also know that the color of my skin does not define who I am, nor does it determine who I can be,” he added.

The legislator said he refuses to “lean left or right on this issue.” Instead, standing firmly on what he believes.

“I believe that each one of us is an American, that we shouldn’t define ourselves as just black or white, but rather as one people pursuing a more perfect union and working to achieve the American dream,” he said. “That is exactly what this bill intends to do.”

The measure prohibits teacher preparation programs from distorting significant historical events or including a curriculum or instruction that teaches identity politics, violates the Florida Educational Equity Act or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the U.S. and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.

“We don’t want our children being indoctrinated by woke school curriculum that teaches that white people are evil and that black kids can’t succeed in America because the system is against them,” he continued. “We want our children to learn the real history of America – which yes, includes the horrors and atrocities of slavery and Jim Crow.”

“But it also includes how we came together as a nation to reject these ideas. We want kids to see the progress that we have made in the country to provide an equal opportunity for American success, for ALL people,” he said.

Democratic lawmakers centered the bill’s debate on the argument that the legislation was rejecting Florida’s history of racism.

House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, expressed how she was “insulted” by the legislation and was offended that the bill would stop the teaching of accurate history.

Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, said that the bill was a violation of an individual’s freedom of speech and that it reinforced systemic racism.

Jacques defended the bill on the House floor, explaining how the the arguments against the legislation were content-based claims, even though the bill didn’t specifically target any issue.

Barnaby told Florida’s Voice that he wants young people to feel inspired that they can “continue to improve our great nation.”

“Above all, I want young Black kids who look like me to know that they have a path to success in this country,” Barnaby said.

“I want them to know they don’t have to give up on school, higher education, or whatever their life goals may be,” he said. “This bill ensures they won’t give just because a group of woke indoctrinators says the system is rigged to keep them feeling less than, so that Democratic politicians and special interests can make money and gain votes off their plight.”

The legislation passed the floor with a vote of 81-31 on Friday.

The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, currently awaits approval in the upper chamber now that it has completed all of its committee stops.